Guernsey housing licences 'should be last resort'

Deputy Jones said housing licences were "not given out out like Smarties".

Guernsey's Housing Minister has told businesses that applying for housing licences for guest workers should be a last resort.

Deputy Dave Jones made the comments in response a rise in local unemployment.

He said applications to grant housing licences for non-Guernsey citizens were scrutinised closely to ensure local people were not deprived of jobs.

The number of unemployed people in Guernsey stood at 367 at the end of December 2011.

Deputy Jones said applying for housing licences for non-locals should be a last resort, and said licences were "not given out like Smarties".

He urged businesses to look for local staff first, but admitted some housing licences would have to be given out to make sure companies were not put in jeopardy by a lack of staff.

Guernsey's licensing system means non-Guernsey citizens must obtain permission to live and work in the island.